TCICC Foundation will be hosting their first major fundraiser
The TCICC Foundation will be hosting their first major fundraiser under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Education, Ms. Akierra Missick, at the Regent Palms Ballroom on November 8, 2013
The proceeds from this venture will be to
(1) To further the goals of higher education in the Turks & Caicos Islands, more specifically, to support the educational activities of the Turks & Caicos Islands Community College.
I spoke with LeShwan Missick, President of the Alumni who encourages everyone to attend.
President of the College Professor lee Ingham is hoping that the funds can assist deserving students wishing to attend the College for the purpose of furthering their education, he told me that the dontons can assist students with paying their fees, travelling or other incidental expenses.
We spoke about the event and the needs of the College
The Foundation calls on all persons, including alumni, to give willingly to this worthy cause.
It plans to establish a Hall of Fame-styled event which will give recognition to all significant donors on an annual basis.
Tickets are in circulation and contribution Brochures are also in circulation for individuals or companies who may choose to contribute to any of the four donor categories.
Attendees will have a wonderful evening of entertainment with performances by the Youth Chorale, the Enid Capron School Choir and popular artiste and Mr. Julian Garland.
The members of the Foundation are: Dr. Lillian Boyce, Mrs. Claudette Clare, Ms. Karen Whitt, Mr. Samuel Forbes, Professor Lee Ingham, Mr. Cecil Arnold, Mr. John Smith and Mr. Deveraux Malcolm. They can be contacted for further information.
TCHTA and TCI Chamber of Commerce, are shocked by Government's decision to increase Customs Processing Fee
The TCHTA and TCI Chamber of Commerce, are shocked by Government's alleged decision to increase the country's Customs Processing Fee (CPF), a move that will undermine the tourism and hospitality industry and ultimately threaten the destination's development.
It is the understanding of TCHTA and the Chamber of Commerce that the alleged Customs Processing Fee will increase from 6% to 7.5% and is proposed to take effect on November 01, 2013, along with a proposed 12% tax on other services such as spas, water sports and excursions such as diving, fishing, charters etc. It is our collective belief that this proposed Customs Processing Fee increase will not only damage the country's major sectors but will be detrimental to the overall growth of the nation, setting back the destination's development by at least a decade.
The lack of consultation with the public and businesses, shall result in the soon to be implemented Customs Processing Fee and other new taxes having a significant adverse effect on businesses which (all) rely heavily on imports to carry out their operations. Reacting to the news was TCHTA's Board who expressed their deep disappointment with Government's decision stating, "What is worrisome is that these taxes will negatively affect all residents of the Turks and Caicos, all tourists and will also put an increased strain on the already fragile economy. These alleged taxes definitely came as a surprise to our members and businesses in general and we all wish TCI's policy makers would have consulted with us before making decisions which will negatively impact the tourism and hospitality sector which we collectively represent.
No consultation with the sector especially with the largest Associations like TCHTA and Chamber of Commerce is considered very much unacceptable and is not in the spirit of working together in a Public, Private Partnership as is the rhetoric of the Government. This is not the way to do business or promote symbiotic relationship."
The Board also noted, "Businesses and residents alike have to live with an unpredictable taxation environment which only serves to undermine confidence in the policy makers and creates a very unstable economy. In the absence of manufacturing and agriculture sectors in TCI, businesses have no other alternative but to import 90% of their inventory, be it furnishings to outfit their properties or food for their Restaurants, in order to keep their businesses afloat. These taxes will force businesses to reconsider their budgetting strategies going forward, which may impact employment, resulting in sector lay-offs. Businesses want to maintain and grow their operations in TCI and higher taxes will not encourage them to do this effectively especially with the repressed economy.
This new proposed increase along with other proposed changes in the tax regime will have consequences which undermine the desire of our members and businesses to stimulate the economy. We foresee that there will be an inability for small businesses in particular to regain the taxes and fees we are forced to pay the Government."
In the past three years businesses saw two accommodation tax increases from 10% to 11%, then again from 11% to 12%. In 2011, Customs Processing Fees also increased to 6%, six months after being reintroduced.
NHIP employee and employer contributions increased from 2.5% to 3% each, a 1% Insurance tax on premiums was introduced along with a 1% Banking tax on fees and wire transfers. Other increases or new taxes in the three year period included an increase in the importation tax on alcoholic beverages, an increased Fuel tax by $0.75 per gallon, a 30% increase in power rate for large hotels, a 15% tax on freight and insurance on all imported good with the exception for building materials and a stamp duty on real estate went from 9% to 10% for real estate sales over $500K. Another recent increase which is yet to be confirmed by Government is an increase in work permit fees, which already saw a 35% increase in 2011.
Makayla Tucker, Miss Unique Creations, crowned queen
After 8 weeks of immense training the grand finale for the HJ Robinson's Evening of Excellence Pageant under the theme "Beauty anchored upon Intelligence took place on Saturday night at the school's auditorium.
11 young ladies ranging between 3rd and 5th form entered.
Persons from all walks of life were in attendance... from the governor and his wife to primary school children.
It was a great success for the committee and the community and at the end of the night, 3rd former Esperanza Pardo, Miss Grand Turk Liquors was placed 3rd, 5th former Mary Fulford, Miss TCI Lotto was placed 2nd and 3rd former Makayla Tucker, Miss Unique Creations was crowned queen.
Diane Hamilton head Pageant Committee told our news desk that, 'We are filled with immense gratitude. Our gratitude is directed firstly, to the young ladies who were brave enough to enter the competition as it was very overwhelming at times for them as they had to maintain a suitable average while at the same time remain active with training and their community project. We could never have had such a great night without the open handed attitude of our many sponsors, both main and associate. We are eternally grateful to them. We would love to thank the community for their support as we are elated by how great it was.'
Members of the team were extremely exhausted after the production but have already started entertaining ideas for 2014.
Bolshoi acid attack: Dancer Dmitrichenko denies role
A Bolshoi ballet dancer has pleaded not guilty to ordering an acid attack on the company's artistic director.
Sulphuric acid was thrown at Sergei Filin outside his Moscow flat in January, damaging his eyesight.
Pavel Dmitrichenko entered his plea at the start of a trial, in a case that has revealed infighting at the Bolshoi.
Another defendant, Yuri Zarutsky, accused of throwing the acid, told the court in Moscow that he had attacked Sergei Filin and had acted alone.
At the hearing, the dancer, Pavel Dmitrichenko, denied that he had colluded with Yuri Zarutsky and a third defendant, Andrei Lipatov, who is accused of driving the car used to transport the alleged attacker.
Pavel Dmitrichenko had told the court during earlier hearings that he had met Yuri Zarutsky at his country house, and had said he disapproved of Sergei Filin's management style.
But he denied organising the attack on the Bolshoi's artistic director.
"What happened to Filin is a result of Zarutsky's savage conduct, not a result of my activities," said Mr Dmitrichenko. "I had no hostile attitude towards Filin."
He said Yuri Zarutsky, acting on his own motives, "committed this dangerous act, which we never discussed since I had no intent, and could not have had one to commit such an act in any form".
Yuri Zarutsky - sitting at the opposite end of the defendants' caged section to Pavel Dmitrichenko - told the trial judge that he threw the acid.
"I admit being guilty of attacking Filin," he said, adding that Pavel Dmitrichenko and Andrei Lipatov were not involved.
In his testimony, Andrei Lipatov also denied any part in the attack.
Sergei Filin was not present in court during the hearing.
His lawyer said he was in Germany, receiving more treatment to save his sight and repair damage to his face.
Sean Paul on US Club Tour
Grammy award winning Reggae superstar Sean Paul will be hitting the road on his first US Club promo tour in support of his upcoming album Full Frequency.
Sean Paul and and his DJ, Copper Shaun from Coppershot Sound, are all set to blaze the hot new singles from the album including the just released dancehall/reggae track - Want Dem All featuring fast rising dancehall star, Konshens.
While on the promo tour, Sean Paul will make several media appearances in various markets.
Party with Sean at;
Sunday, November 3: LIV, Miami, FL,
Monday, November 4: Haven, Atlantic City, NJ
Tuesday, November 5: Rumor, Boston, MA
Wednesday, November 6: Marquee, New York, NY
Thursday, November 7: Park, Washington, DC
Friday, November 8: Club V, Detroit, MI
Saturday, November 9: Studio Paris, Chicago, IL
Sunday, November 10: Maya, Scottsdale, AZ
Wednesday, November 13: Infusion Lounge, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, November 14: Playhouse, Los Angeles, CA
Friday, November 15: Stingaree, San Diego, CA
Saturday, November 16: Heat Ultra Lounge, Anaheim, CA CA
Chris Brown Enters Rehab for Anger Management
Chris Brown has checked into rehab for anger management issues two days after he was arrested for assault in Washington. "Chris Brown has elected to enter a rehab facility," his representative Nicole Perna said on Tuesday, October 30.
The rep added, "His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point." According to TMZ, Brown's attorney Mark Geragos dropped the R&B star off at a facility in Malibu.
The rehab move comes after Brown was arrested for allegedly punching a guy in the nose during a fight at the wee hours on Sunday near the W Hotel in Washington, D.C. He's charged with misdemeanor simple assault, reduced from an initial felony arrest, and is due back in court November 25.
The "Fine China" singer is still on probation stemming from a 2009 battery case involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna. It's reported that the Probation Department will likely determine that the 24-year-old violated his probation, which is supposed to end on August 25, 2014. He could be sentenced to as much as 4 years in prison if found guilty.
Kanye West says Kim Kardashian is more of a fashion trendsetter
Kanye West says when it comes to fashion, Kim Kardashian reigns supreme over every woman, including Michelle Obama.
In an interview Tuesday with Ryan Seacrest, the rapper said he and his fiancé are "the most influential with clothing." He added: "Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day," referring to Kardashian's buzzed about selfie that revealed most of her backside.
West also said "no one is looking at what (Barack) is wearing."
West was defending Kardashian in the radio interview, saying the reality star deserves more attention from mainstream fashion magazines. He said Kardashian should grace the cover of Vogue.
Despite West's words, the first lady is a fashion trendsetter and clothes she's worn have sold out quickly after she's worn them in public.
The Jonas Brothers are disbanding
Nick, Joe and Kevin announced Tuesday they're ending their highly successful run. The news comes after the brothers abruptly canceled their tour over creative differences earlier this month.
The breakup was first reported by People magazine. Publicist Jesse Derris confirmed the news and said no other details were available.
The brothers told People the breakup was unanimous and came after Nick Jonas told his brothers in a meeting earlier this month that he felt "trapped."
The New Jersey brothers formed the band in 2005 and built a fan base through their association with the Disney Channel.
The band had been scheduled to release its fifth album later this year.
WICB President applauds amazing performance by Windies Women
President of the WICB Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron has showered praise on the West Indies Women’s Team following their capture of the Women’s T20 International Tri Series in Barbados, and has also applauded the large number of spectators who came out to see the recent Women’s T20 International Tri Series.
West Indies beat England by eight wickets at Kensington Oval on Saturday night, in the Grand Final watched by a crowd of approximately 4,000. Stafanie Taylor won the Player of the Match Award while Deandra Dottin took the Virgin Atlantic Player of the Series Award.
Speaking on behalf of the WICB and the cricket-loving public of the Caribbean, Cameron said: “It was an amazing performance in front of a packed 3Ws Stand. I spoke to the players the night before and I told them to make us proud and that is exactly what they did. It was a champion performance from our women.”
He added: “It was the way they went about the game that was particularly pleasing. The effort and the passion reminded you of what West Indies cricket is all about. We will continue to support the women’s game and I want to encourage them to do the same as they move in to Trinidad for the three ODIs against England at the Queen’s Park Oval.”
As part of its commitment to women's cricket the WICB produced and broadcast all seven matches in the Tri Series. It was the first time a women's series in the region was aired live on television.
“The well-put-together coverage attracted large viewership and we will continue to look at other ways of bringing the women’s game to the supporters who continue to be impressed with the style of play and dedication of our girls.”
Cameron said, as a result, there had been growth in the team’s fan base.
“It was heartening to see how the crowds came out and cheered on the teams. We saw fans from England, we saw New Zealand fans joining the West Indies fans as they enjoyed some very entertaining matches and a fantastic tournament,” he added.
PR WICB
British woman books holiday to Granada, Spain, but ends up in Grenada
A British grandmother who booked a holiday to Spain ended up in the Caribbean by mistake - after a booking blunder caused a mix-up with the flights.
Lamenda Kingdon, 62, had booked the trip to Granada, Spain, using her late husband's air miles as part of a "bucket list" of activities after being diagnosed with breast cancer and a brain tumour.
But instead of booking Mrs Kingdon on a two-hour flight, air miles travel firm Avios put her on a 10-hour British Airways flight to Grenada, in the Caribbean.
She only realised the mistake two hours into her flight last month when she told a passenger she was looking forward to seeing the Alhambra Palace, and the passenger replied: "Not on this flight, you won't be."
According to the Daily Mail, she said: "I looked at the ticket and it did indeed say Grenada. I had noticed the departure and arrival times were vastly different – but I presumed that had something to do with the time difference."
Mrs Kingdon was eventually put on a flight back to Gatwick at a scheduled stop in St Lucia.
She was put up in a hotel for the night and had her points reimbursed, while a flight to Malaga, the nearest major airport to Granada, was arranged for the following day.
An apologetic Avios also gave her enough points for her next dream destination of New Zealand.
And the ending is even happier than that, because since her return from her trip, Mrs Kingdon has been given the all clear by her cancer doctors and hopes to make her next trip next year.
She told the Plymouth Herald: "Looking back on the Granada mix up, I genuinely don't blame anyone.
"The person on the other end of the phone probably just misheard me. I honestly didn't notice the spelling difference.
"But I'm certainly not complaining. They treated me wonderfully once they found out what had happened."